Citizen Carl
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Episode 7
| "Citizen Carl" | |
|---|---|
| Shameless episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 10 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Erin Feeley |
| Written by | Nancy M. Pimental |
| Cinematography by | Anthony Hardwick |
| Editing by | Michael S. Stern |
| Original release date | December 22, 2019 |
| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Citizen Carl" is the seventh episode of the tenth season of the American television comedy drama Shameless, an adaptation of the British series of the same name. It is the 117th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Nancy M. Pimental, and directed by Erin Feeley. It originally aired on Showtime on December 22, 2019.
The series is set on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and depicts the poor, dysfunctional family of Frank Gallagher, a neglectful single father of six: Fiona, Phillip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam. He spends his days drunk, high, or in search of money, while his children need to learn to take care of themselves. The family's status is shaken after Fiona chooses to leave. In the episode, Carl decides to make the neighborhood safer, while Lip and Tami bond while making their RV livable. Meanwhile, Frank bonds with a woman, while Ian and Mickey struggle with their parole officers.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.84 million household viewers and gained a 0.23 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the writing and storylines.
After witnessing an elderly woman being shot the previous night, Carl decides that he needs to make the neighborhood safer. He contacts a news crew to report so that the city workers can prioritize streetlights, but the crew ignores the shooting due to the poor conditions of the area.
At the Alibi, Kevin and Veronica are shocked when a bar patron, Bill, died during the night. Frank seizes the opportunity to steal his wallet and car keys, using the opportunity to rob his apartment. Bill's death shakes Kevin, who feels guilty that serving him alcohol caused his cirrhosis. As he tries to reduce the level of alcohol, Veronica is surprised to learn that Bill's visits contributed to 28% of the bar's profits, putting them in trouble with the supply and demand. Ian has his paycheck taken from Paula after not following her scam. Mickey starts working as a security guard at a mall store, while also avoiding cartel members seeking retribution.
Lip and Tami struggle in adapting to the RV, particularly as Lip did not check the sewage system. They also try to have sex for the first time in weeks, but continue running into problems. Eventually, they find help through Stella and Tami's father. Pepa returns the fake Franny to Debbie, deciding that she wants nothing to do with her. That night, Debbie and Megan go to a bar to celebrate their success. As Megan tries to find a new man, Debbie becomes interested in a woman, Claudia . Debbie and Claudia later have sex in her hotel room, and Debbie is surprised when Claudia pays her for the encounter.
Frank runs into a seemingly rich woman, Faye Donahue, who invites him to drink with her. She then takes him to her car, where she is revealed to be living. Carl and Kelly stage a fake robbery in the neighborhood, finally getting the city workers to set up streelights. Ian and Mickey are shocked when Paula reveals she is now Mickey's parole officer, and uses him to help Ian in her scams. Mickey is forced to retrieve money from a man who owes to Paula, and he throws him out a window. After Paula leaves satisfied, Mickey concludes that they must kill her.
Production
Development
The episode was written by executive producer Nancy M. Pimental, and directed by Erin Feeley. It was Pimental's 24th writing credit, and Feeley's second directing credit.[1]